OUR DESTINY IS OUR HANDS
In this week’s Parsha Moshe instructs his people not to turn to sorcerrors, astrologers and forms of magic to learn what the future holds in store for us. “You shall be wholehearted with HaShem. For these nations that you are possessing – they paid attention to astrologers, but as for you – HaShem has not given for you.”
In explaining this verse the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh teaches us a significant distinction between the Jewish nation and the rest of the world. The entire material world is governed by nature. The “nature” that governs this world is not limited to the basic laws of physics and other sciences. Nature also includes those influences that the Zodiac and other astrological energies have on this world. The notion that the stars and heavenly bodies influence our world is replete throughout our Sifrei Kodesh. The Ohr Hachaim continues that although the Jewish people live in this world and ought to be subject to these influences, nevertheless, we are above that plane of existence. He references the verse in Psalm 8:7 in which the Psalmist describes Adam. “You give him dominion over Your handiwork, You placed everything under his feet.” The Ohr Hachaim understands that we are the heirs to Adam in this role. HaShem placed all the forces of nature under our feet. This includes the astrological forces as well. We are the ones who direct those forces. As our relationship with HaShem changes, those forces change accordingly.
Using this understanding, the Ohr Hachaim, explains that the larger world is justified to turn to those influences to seek their fate. They are governed by those forces. The Jewish people, however, are different. We are not influenced by those forces. Quite to the contrary, we are the ones who influence those forces. Those forces are dependent upon our relationship with HaShem. If we were to turn to these sources to learn our destiny, it would be a rejection of our role and a rejection of our relationship to HaShem.
Several weeks ago we discussed how with our recitation of a bracha over an apple we are blessing HaShem. Just as the great rabbi blesses his student and in the merit of that blessing the student anticipates good fortune, so too, when we recite the bracha, HaShem’s exposure in this world becomes increased. HaShem’s ability to influence our world in a positive manner rests upon our relationship with Him! It is our responsibility to bless HaShem and in turn blessing comes to this world.
The next time you hear Americans singing ‘G.D bless America’ remember that Jews bless G.D.
Have a very wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind